I've had my Le Creuset set for years--my mom got all the pieces I have for around $200. I recently did a "replacement cost" for the pieces I have (including the trivet). OMG--it would cost over $1500 to replace the ones I have. Definitely, it has gone up in price. I have my brother's set stored in my barn...I know he never has used it. If he doesn't take it soon, I'm tempted to ebay it!

I've had my Le Creuset set for years--my mom got all the pieces I have for around $200. I recently did a "replacement cost" for the pieces I have (including the trivet). OMG--it would cost over $1500 to replace the ones I have. Definitely, it has gone up in price. I have my brother's set stored in my barn...I know he never has used it. If he doesn't take it soon, I'm tempted to ebay it!

I would get permission from your brother first, LOL!

The 9 1/2 Qt Oval French Oven I just bought was listed for a retail price of $460 and the Outlet Price was listed as $285.93. I bought it for $171 because it was 40% off since the color was discontinued. I love the Citron color and would have bought more pieces at that price. This was the last one in that color in that store. Even $171 is a lot for a pot but I know this pot will last a lifetime and I am sorry I didn't get one this size sooner.

I have a 10" or 11" frypan and a large what they call Buffet Server with cover (both in Flame) that I got at a thrift store for about $8 for the both of them. They were in brand new condition. I also found another Buffet Server in blue at a thrift store around that same time for $10 but one of the handles was broken off (still works great though).I also found a few other fry pans, etc. That was back in the day when I found all kinds of bargains in thrift stores. Unfortunately, that dried up. I think more and more people do know what they have and if they don't want it they sell it on eBay. But, I still keep my eyes open and once in awhile I still get a good bargain.

I've noticed it recently that the thrift stores are drying up on all my favorite stuff..cast iron cookware, name brand cookware, asian style tea pots...I blame cooking shows..taking the stuff away from those of us with real respect for it..grrr lol

I've noticed it recently that the thrift stores are drying up on all my favorite stuff..cast iron cookware, name brand cookware, asian style tea pots...I blame cooking shows..taking the stuff away from those of us with real respect for it..grrr lol

I would agree--but a few months ago, I got the NICEST SS turkey roaster for $5. It is nice and heavy. It holds a 20 lb turkey, easy cleanup. We put it on the woodstove to evap maple syrup. I don't know why a person would get rid of it...we use it for baked beans...just the "scrap metal" value of it was more than $5.

This goes back to the "people don't cook from scratch" anymore and can't be bothered. I imagine this was a wedding gift <g>. We like it. I've bought a lot of my corningware at estate sales...I am partial to the cornflower blue.

I've noticed it recently that the thrift stores are drying up on all my favorite stuff..cast iron cookware, name brand cookware, asian style tea pots...I blame cooking shows..taking the stuff away from those of us with real respect for it..grrr lol

I have noticed it too but I blame it on eBay and also wonder if the people who work at these stores don't buy up all the good stuff before it gets onto the floor. I have been in Goodwill stores when they wheel out a cart of new stuff and most of it is garbage. I used to wait for the cart and it had countless riches on it. I wish I knew then that it would dry up I would have bought more.

Do you use them for other stuff? I would love to have at least one. There are Danish recipes that are traditionally cooked in those, even though the CI dutch oven works too.

Oh, yes, I love my Clay Pots. I have about 4 of them in different sizes. I mostly use it for cooking a roasted chicken but I have cooked fish, turkey and other main dishes in there. I add vegetables right in there with the meat or poultry. Chicken come out very moist when cooked in a clay pot. But you have to soak the clay pot for about 15 minutes before each time using it unless it is glazed.

Oh, yes, I love my Clay Pots. I have about 4 of them in different sizes. I mostly use it for cooking a roasted chicken but I have cooked fish, turkey and other main dishes in there. I add vegetables right in there with the meat or poultry. Chicken come out very moist when cooked in a clay pot. But you have to soak the clay pot for about 15 minutes before each time using it unless it is glazed.

If anyone frequents Tuesday Morning stores I saw a few LeCreuset Dutch Ovens at the Tuesday Morning in Torrance, Ca. today. They are known for their good prices but I think it is still cheaper to go to the LeCreuset Outlet.